Transfer module for converting machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transfer module (32) for a converting machine (1), wherein the transfer module comprises a receptacle (40) and a conveyor system (38), the receptacle comprises a stacking section (42) configured to accommodate a stack (S) of sheet elements (2'), and the transfer module further comprises an ejection device (50) comprising an ejection member (52) configured to temporarily engage with the rear edge of the stack and push the stack out of the receptacle to place the stack in the bending section of a bending module.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transfer module for a converting machine. In particular, the present invention relates to a transfer module suitable for supplying stacks of folding boxes and other packaging elements to a banding machine. Background Technology

[0002] Converting machines, such as folder-gluers, are used in the production of paperboard and cardboard boxes. These machines are configured to receive cut-to-shaped blanks, then fold and glue them to form folding boxes or other similar packaging elements.

[0003] Folder-gluer machines commonly include a conditioning section. The conditioning section is located at the exit of the converting machine and is configured to arrange batches of packaging elements within receptacles (e.g., boxes) or to apply bands around stacks of packaging elements.

[0004] When using a banding module, it is important that the stack of packaging elements to be banded together is aligned and has a stable shape before the band is applied. When stacking and banding large packaging elements (e.g., corrugated boxes), the packaging elements can be placed vertically on top of each other. However, for smaller packaging elements, such as pharmaceutical boxes, it is common to arrange the boxes instead in a horizontal stack (packaging elements positioned side by side) during the banding operation.

[0005] An example of a banding module is disclosed in document EP3984896. However, when a horizontal stack of folding boxes is introduced into the banding module, it is relatively unstable and tends to spread out in a fan shape. The problem to be solved

[0006] In the view of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to prevent the shape change of a stack of packaged articles before a band is applied around the stack in a banding module. means of solving the problem

[0007] These objectives are achieved by the transfer module according to claim 1 and the system according to claim 13.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a transfer module for a converting machine is provided, wherein the transfer module comprises a receptacle and a conveyor system, the receptacle comprises a stacking section configured to accommodate a stack of sheet elements, and the transfer module further comprises an ejection device comprising an ejection member configured to temporarily engage with the rear edge of the stack and push the stack out of the receptacle to place it in a banding section of a banding module, and the ejection member is movable linearly between an engaging position, a banding position and a receptacle discharge position.

[0009] The present invention is based on the recognition that a reusable receptacle can be provided to maintain the shape of a stack and transfer it to a banding module in a received shape.

[0010] In the context of the present application, the term "packaging element" (2') may be used interchangeably with the terms "foldable box" (2') and "sheet elements" (2').

[0011] The banding zone is the location where the band is applied around the stack.

[0012] In one embodiment, the stacking section includes a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge configured to contact blanks within the stack located at the ends of the stack, and the stacking section further includes a longitudinal edge perpendicular to the first and second lateral edges, and the ejection member is displaceable on the longitudinal edge.

[0013] In one embodiment, the ejection member includes a contact surface connected to a vertical displacement rod via a horizontal extension. The contact surface preferably includes a vertical surface and a horizontal surface, wherein the horizontal surface is positioned above the stack. The horizontal surface is configured to hold the stack from above as the stack is pushed out of the receptacle.

[0014] In one embodiment, the ejection member can be further moved into the discharge position to displace the stack out of the banding zone.

[0015] Preferably, the ejection member further includes a retraction mechanism connected to at least one engaging element on the receptacle and configured to retract the receptacle from the banding module. In this way, the receptacle can be placed on an ejection conveyor and reintroduced into a filling device.

[0016] In one embodiment, the retraction mechanism includes at least one return gripper.

[0017] In one embodiment, the retraction mechanism includes a first return gripper and a second return gripper, said grippers being pivotably attached to a horizontal extension rod of a discharge member.

[0018] The interlocking elements on the receptacle can be formed of protruding elements in the form of vertical extension rods, and the vertical extension rods are located outside the stacking compartment.

[0019] In one embodiment, the return grippers are angled so that their distal ends extend outwardly in relation to the introduction path to the banding module and so that when the ejection member pushes the stack away from the stacking surface, the return grippers yield and move between the vertical extension rods, and the first and second return grippers engage with the vertical extension rods only when the ejection member retracts from the banding module.

[0020] The first and second return grippers can be biased by their respective spring members.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a system comprising a transfer module according to any one of the preceding embodiments is provided, wherein the transfer module is located upstream of a banding module and is configured to transfer a stack of foldable boxes into the banding module.

[0022] In one embodiment, the conveyor system includes a plurality of conveyors and is configured to recirculate a plurality of receptacles from a filling device to a banding module.

[0023] The conveyor system may preferably include a positioning device configured to laterally displace the receptacle into the introduction path for the banding module. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings, in which identical features are indicated by identical reference numerals. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a converting machine configured with a folder-gluer. FIG. 2a is a schematic plan view of a shape-cut blank. Figure 2b is a schematic plan view of a folding box. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a charging device for foldable boxes. FIGS. 4a and FIGS. 4b are schematic perspective views of a bending module. Figures 5a and 5b are schematic diagrams illustrating how a band can be applied around a stack of foldable boxes. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a charging / conditioning station including a charging device, a conveyor system, and a banding module. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the interface between the conveyor system and the banding module. FIGS. 8 through 11 are schematic perspective views illustrating different positions of an exhaust member configured to place a stack within a banding module. FIGS. 12a and FIGS. 12b are schematic perspective detailed views of the receptacle and the discharge member. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a guide array within a receptacle. FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the insertion head of a charging device that charges a receptacle with foldable boxes. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] The present invention can be used in converting machines such as folder-gluers, flexo-folder glueers, rotary die-cutter machines, and printing machines, for example. To simplify the description, reference is made to folder-gluer machines.

[0026] Refer to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1 and 2a, which illustrate a folder-gluer machine (1) and a blank (2) to be processed therein. The folder-gluer machine (1) is configured to receive a cut-formed blank (2) and then fold and glue the blank (2) to form a foldable box (2') (see FIG. 2b) or other folded and glued packaging elements. These types of packaging elements (2') are provided in a flat form at the exit portion of the folder-gluer machine (1).

[0027] The folder-gluer machine (1) includes a series of different work stations in the form of modules. The modules may include a feeder module (10), an alignment module (11), a folding pre-breaking module (12), a bonding module (14), and a folding module (16), from the inlet to the outlet and in the conveying direction (T). The folder-gluer machine (1) may additionally include a main user interface (13).

[0028] Downstream of the adhesive and folding modules (14, 16), the converting machine (1) may further include a transfer section (20) configured to bind or group a plurality of folding boxes (2') together. As best illustrated in FIGS. 3, 7 and 13, the transfer section (20) may include a stacking conveyor (22) and a filling device (24) configured to arrange the folding boxes (2') into horizontal stacks (S). A horizontal stack (S) comprises a plurality of folding boxes (2') arranged side by side in a horizontal direction (H).

[0029] The accumulation conveyor (22) is configured to rearrange individual and spaced-apart folding boxes (2') into an overlapping stream of folding boxes (2').

[0030] As schematically illustrated in FIG. 13, the accumulation conveyor (22) directs the foldable boxes (2') into the curved conveyor (26) within the charging device (24). The charging device (24) further includes an insertion head (28) that can be positioned inside a receptacle (40) suitable for accommodating the arrangement of the foldable boxes (2').

[0031] Such charging devices and systems are described in EP1989115. However, the system disclosed in EP1989115 is configured to charge receptacles, such as cardboard boxes, into folding boxes (2'). However, the conditioning section (20) according to the present disclosure is configured to attach bands around stacks of folding boxes (2'). As best illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 12b, the charging device (24) according to the present disclosure is part of a charging system (30) further comprising a transfer module (32) configured to collect a horizontal stack (S) of folding boxes (2') and position the stack (S) within a banding module (34).

[0032] As best illustrated in FIG. 7, the transfer module (32) comprises at least one receptacle (40) configured to accommodate a stack (S) of foldable boxes (2'), and a conveyor system (38) configured to transfer the receptacle (40) between a loading area (LA) of a charging device (24) and an introduction path (P) to a banding module (34). The conveyor system (38) preferably comprises a straight introduction path (P) to the banding module (34).

[0033] As best illustrated in FIG. 12a, the receptacle (40) includes a stacking section (42). The stacking section (42) includes a stacking surface (43), a first lateral edge (46), and a second lateral edge (48). When the receptacle (40) is positioned in the introduction path (P) for the banding module (34), the first and second lateral edges (46, 48) align with the direction of the introduction path (P). The first and second lateral edges (46, 48) extend perpendicularly to the stacking direction (SD) of the folding boxes (2') (see FIG. 14). In this way, the first and second lateral edges (46, 48) come into contact with two outer folding boxes (2') within the horizontal stack (S). The distance (d1) between the first and second lateral edges (46, 48) defines the number of foldable boxes (2') in the stack (S).

[0034] The first and second lateral edges (46, 48) may be displaceable in the stacking direction (SD) to adapt the size of the stacking section (42) to the number of foldable boxes (2') to be included in the stack (S). Preferably, both lateral edges (46, 48) are displaced when the number of boxes changes. This allows the stack (S) to be placed at the center of the receptacle (40).

[0035] The receptacle (40) additionally includes a longitudinal edge (47) perpendicular to the first and second lateral edges (46, 48). In this way, the stacked section (42) is closed by three edges (46, 47, 48), while the fourth side (49) of the stacked section (42) is open.

[0036] The receptacle (40) is preferably a passive device and may not have any motor or driving device fixedly connected thereto.

[0037] The conveyor system (38) can transport multiple receptacles (40) simultaneously. The conveyor system (38) includes multiple conveyors that can be arranged to form a square or rectangular path. The conveyor system (38) may include a combination of roller conveyors and belt conveyors. The roller conveyors are preferably provided to have a low coefficient of friction. In this way, the rollers can transport the receptacles (40) in the transport direction while allowing sliding lateral positioning of the receptacles (40).

[0038] The introduction path (P) for the banding module (34) may include a sliding surface (35). The sliding surface (35) may be a metallic surface. Alternatively, in an embodiment not illustrated, the sliding surface (35) may include a plurality of rollers.

[0039] The conveyor system (38) may additionally include a positioning device (39). The positioning device (39) is configured to laterally displace the receptacle (40) into the introduction path (P) for the banding module (34).

[0040] The positioning device (39) may include a gripper configured to engage with a side portion of the receptacle (40). The gripper is connected to a linear actuator (not shown), such as a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator, and is activated when the receptacle (40) is positioned on the side of the introduction path (P).

[0041] As best illustrated in FIGS. 8 through 11, the ejection device (50) is located upstream of the banding module (34). As illustrated in FIG. 12a, the ejection device (50) includes an ejection member (52) configured to contact the stack (S) and push it out of the receptacle (40). The ejection member (52) includes a contact surface (54) connected to a vertical extension displacement rod (56) via a horizontal extension (58).

[0042] The contact surface (54) may include a horizontal surface (54a) and a vertical surface (54b). The horizontal surface (54a) is configured to contact the upper surface of the stack (S), and the vertical surface (54b) is configured to contact the lateral surface of the stack (S). The contact surface (54) is preferably configured to establish contact with all foldable boxes (2') within the stack (S).

[0043] The vertical extension displacement rod (56) can move in the horizontal direction (H). To this end, the upper distal end (56a) of the vertical displacement rod (56) is connected to a guide rail (57) and a motor (59) (see FIG. 7). The motor (59) moves the vertical displacement rod (56) along a linear path toward and away from the bending module (34). The linear path corresponds to the introduction path (P) to the bending module (34).

[0044] As best illustrated in FIGS. 7, FIGS. 12a, and FIGS. 12b, the discharge member (52) further comprises a retraction mechanism (60). The retraction mechanism (60) comprises at least one return gripper (62). Preferably, a first return gripper (62a) and a second return gripper (62b) are provided.

[0045] The first and second return grippers (62a, 62b) are configured to engage with the first and second protruding elements (66a, 66b) on the receptacle (40). The protruding elements (66a, 66b) may be formed as vertical extension rods (66a, 66b).

[0046] The first and second return grippers (62a, 62b) may be mounted on the respective first and second distal ends of the horizontal rod (64). The horizontal rod (64) may be parallel to the discharge member (54). The horizontal rod (64) may be located upstream of the discharge member in the introduction path (P) (thus further away from the banding module (34)).

[0047] The first and second return grippers (62a, 62b) are angled such that their distal ends (E) extend outward with respect to the central axis of the receptacle (40) and with respect to the vertical extension displacement rod (56). The first and second return grippers (62a, 62b) are preferably pivotably attached to the respective first and second distal ends (64a, 64b) of the horizontal rod (64). The first and second return grippers (62a, 62b) can move between the rods (66a, 66b) when the discharge member (52) comes into contact with the stack (S).

[0048] The first and second return grippers (62a, 62b) are preferably biased by a spring member, such as a torsion spring. In this way, when the discharge member (52) pushes the stack (S) out of the receptacle (40), the first and second return grippers can yield and enter between the rods (66a, 66b). The spring member can be connected to a tension mechanism so that the spring force can be changed.

[0049] The first and second return grippers (62a, 62b) preferably have a recess (63) that engages with the rods (66a, 66b).

[0050] Accordingly, the discharge member (52) may be linearly movable between the stack engagement position (P1), the banding position (P2), the discharge position (P3), the receptacle engagement position (P4), and the receptacle discharge position (P5).

[0051] At the stack engagement position (P1), the discharge member (52) comes into contact with the stack (S). The contact surface (54) of the discharge member (52) is positioned on the longitudinal edge (47) of the receptacle (40).

[0052] At the banding position (P2), the contact surface (54) of the discharge member (52) is positioned so that the stack (S) is placed in the banding zone (Z) of the banding module (34). At the banding position (P2), the contact surface (54) of the discharge member (52) may be positioned within the banding module (34). Preferably, the contact surface (54) maintains contact with the stack (S) while the band is applied around the stack (S).

[0053] At the optional discharge position (P3), the contact surface (54) of the discharge member (52) is located downstream of the banding zone (Z). The horizontal extension (58) may be provided with sufficient length so that the contact surface (54) can further displace the stack (S) out of the banding zone (Z).

[0054] At the receptacle engagement position (P4), the discharge member (52) is moved away from the banding module (34) and connected to the receptacle (40). When the discharge member (52) is retracted from the banding module (34), the first and second return grippers (62a, 62b) engage with the protruding elements (66a, 66b) on the receptacle (40).

[0055] At the receptacle discharge position (P5), the receptacle (40) is positioned on a discharge conveyor (70) engaged with the receptacle (40) so that the receptacle (40) is released from the discharge member (52). The discharge conveyor (70) is provided to have a sufficient friction coefficient so that the discharge conveyor (70) can pull and release the receptacle (40) from the first and second return grippers (62a, 62b).

[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the receptacle (40) may include a guide array (61) on its bottom surface in contact with the conveyor system (38). The guide array (61) includes an elongated engaging slot (61b) and first and second disengaging slots (61c, 61d).

[0057] As best illustrated in FIG. 8, the conveyor system (38) comprises at least one engaging element (65), preferably two engaging elements (65), which are configured to enter the entrance (61a) of an elongated engaging slot (61b) when the receptacle (40) is laterally displaced into the introduction path (P) for the banding module (34). At the end of the engaging slot (61b), a second disengaging slot (61d) is connected at a right angle to the engaging slot (61b). Thus, the engaging slot (61b) has an end (61e) (like a dead end), thereby allowing the receptacle (40) to stop at a predetermined lateral position. A first disengaging slot (61c) is located at a certain distance from the second disengaging slot, the distance corresponding to the relative spacing between the first and second engaging elements (65).

[0058] The interlocking elements (65) may be in the form of protrusions having a height corresponding to the depth of the slots (61b, 61c, 61d). The interlocking elements (65) may be formed of rollers. The rollers reduce friction between the receptacle (40) and the interlocking elements (65).

[0059] During the stack engagement position (P1) of the discharge member (52), the receptacle (40) is maintained in position as the engagement elements (65) are maintained within the engagement slot (61b).

[0060] When the discharge member (52) moves from the receptacle engagement position (P4) to the receptacle discharge position (P5), the engagement elements (65) are displaced relative to the disengagement slots (61c, 61d). In this way, the receptacle (40) is released from the engagement elements (65).

[0061] Optionally, the introduction path (P) may additionally include a stop surface (37) configured to abut the front edge of the receptacle (40). In this way, the receptacle (40) is additionally held in place.

[0062] As illustrated in FIGS. 4a, 4b, 5a, and 5b, the banding module (34) is configured to apply a circular band (120) around a stack (S) of foldable boxes (2').

[0063] The banding module (34) includes a support surface (80) configured to receive a stack (S) of foldable boxes (2') from the transfer module (32). The support surface (80) may be a low-friction support surface, such as a metallic surface. For this purpose, since the stack (S) can slide on the support surface (80), the stack (S) of foldable boxes (2') can be transported into the banding module (34) as the contact surface (54) moves from the stack engagement position (P1) to the banding position (P2). Alternatively, in an embodiment not illustrated, the support surface (80) may be formed by a conveyor, such as a belt conveyor.

[0064] The banding module (34) may include a roll (124) having a strip-like material such as a band (120). The banding module (34) further includes a band guide (126) configured to orient the band (120) around a stack (S) of folding boxes (2'). The band guide (126) allows the band (120) to form a loop around the stack (S). The band guide (126) includes a band channel having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The band guide (126) maintains the loop shape, but allows the band (120) to move vertically outward from the band guide (126) when the band (120) is under tension. The banding zone (Z) is located in the central part of the support surface (80), specifically in the vertical direction (V), below the band guide (126).

[0065] The band (120) is unwound from the roll (124) by a conveying mechanism that may include a belt drive roller and a counter roller (not shown). The band (120) is sandwiched between the drive roller and the counter roller so that a traction force from the drive roller is transmitted to the band. The conveying mechanism preferably includes a plurality of directional rollers configured to guide the conveying path of the band (120).

[0066] Before the loop is formed, the beginning of the band (120) is held in place by a clamping mechanism. The loop initially corresponds to the size of the band guide (126) and is therefore larger than the circumference of the stack (S). The conveying mechanism first forms the loop and then reduces the size of the loop by pulling the band (120) back. Thus, the belt drive roller can be rotated in a first direction to form the loop, and then rotated in a second direction (opposite to the first direction) to pull the band (120) back so that the loop is reduced in size and surrounds the stack (S) in a close manner.

[0067] Afterward, the band (120) is bonded or welded to form a closed ring. A cutting device cuts off the final loop from the remaining band (120) connected to the roll (124). This type of band mechanism is generally known in the prior art and is further described in document EP3984896.

[0068] When the stack (S) is ejected from the stacking section (42), if the lateral sides of the stack (S) are no longer supported, the stack (S) tends to spread apart and collapse.

[0069] Accordingly, as illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the banding module (34) includes a first lateral guide (130a) and a second lateral guide (130b). The lateral guides (130a, 130b) each include an inlet guide surface (135) and an outlet guide surface (136). The guide surfaces (135, 136) maintain the lateral edges of the stack (S) when the stack (S) is transported into the banding zone (Z).

[0070] A gap (G) is located between the inlet guide surface (135) and the outlet guide surface (136). The gap (G) is located in the banding zone (Z) and allows the band (120) to move vertically toward the stack without interfering with the first and second lateral guides (130a, 130b) and come into contact with the stack (S). The inlet guide surface (135) and the outlet guide surface (136) of the banding module (34) also maintain the shape of the stack (S) while the band (120) is applied around the stack.

[0071] The inlet and outlet guide surfaces (135, 136) are preferably aligned with the first and second lateral guides (46, 48) of the stacking section (42). Preferably, at least one of the first and second lateral guides (130a, 130b) is movable laterally so as to be aligned with the movable lateral guide (48) of the stacking section (42).

[0072] In this way, the first and second lateral guides (46, 48) of the stacking section (42) and the first and second lateral guides (130a, 130b) of the banding module (34) cooperate to create continuous lateral guides for the stack (S) in the transfer direction (T).

[0073] The first and second lateral guides (130a, 130b) of the banding module each additionally include a movable central guide surface (137) arranged between an inlet guide surface (135) and an outlet guide surface (136). The central guide surfaces (137) are movable between a first position in which the central guide surfaces (137) are aligned with each inlet guide surface (135) and an outlet guide surface (136), and a second position in which the central guide surfaces (137) are not aligned with each inlet guide surface (135) and an outlet guide surface (136).

[0074] Accordingly, in the first position, the central guide surfaces (137) are in contact with the lateral sides of the stack (S). In the second position, the central guide surfaces (137) are not in contact with the stack, and a gap (G) is provided so that the band (120) can form a loop around the stack (S) and receive tension.

[0075] The entrance guide surfaces (135) and the exit guide surfaces (136) may be fixed, and the central guide surfaces (137) may be movable.

[0076] The movable central guide surface (137) may be configured as a pivotable door (137). The door (137) opens when the stack (S) is positioned in a stopped position within the banding module (34). Alternatively, the door (137) may open when the stack is contacted by the exit guide surface (135). The door (137) may be opened and closed by an actuator, such as a pneumatic actuator.

[0077] The door (137) opens upon receiving a control signal. The control signal is issued when the presence of a stack is detected in the banding zone (Z). Detection can be performed by an optical sensor, a non-contact proximity sensor, or a mechanical switch.

[0078] In one embodiment, the control signal may therefore be issued when the control unit (51) of the ejection device (50) issues a signal indicating that the contact surface (54) has moved between the stack engagement position (P1) and the banding position (P2).

[0079] Alternatively, the control signal can be generated from a signal provided by a mechanical switch.

[0080] The banding module further includes a control circuit (110) comprising a memory (112) and a control unit (114). The control unit is configured to activate an actuator to open and move the first and second central guide surfaces upon receiving a detection signal.

Claims

Claim 1 A transfer module for a converting machine, wherein the transfer module comprises a receptacle and a conveyor system, the receptacle comprises a stacking section configured to accommodate a stack of sheet elements, and the transfer module further comprises an ejection device comprising an ejection member configured to temporarily engage with the rear edge of the stack and push the stack out of the receptacle to place the stack in a banding section of a banding module, wherein the ejection member is movable linearly between an engaging position, a banding position, and a receptacle discharge position. Claim 2 A transfer module for a converting machine, wherein, in claim 1, the stacking section comprises a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge configured to contact blanks within the stack located at the ends of the stack, and the stacking section further comprises a longitudinal edge perpendicular to the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge, and the ejection member is displaceable on the longitudinal edge. Claim 3 A transfer module for a converting machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ejection member comprises a contact surface connected to a vertical displacement rod through a horizontal extension. Claim 4 A transfer module for a converting machine, wherein, in paragraph 3, the contact surface includes a vertical surface and a horizontal surface, and the horizontal surface is positioned on the stack. Claim 5 In claim 5, the ejection member is a transfer module for a converting machine that is further movable into a discharge position to displace the stack out of the banding zone. Claim 6 A transfer module for a converting machine, wherein, in any one of claims 1 to 5, the ejection member further comprises a retraction mechanism configured to be connected to at least one engaging element on the receptacle and to retract the receptacle from the banding module. Claim 7 In claim 6, the above-mentioned retraction mechanism comprises at least one return gripper, a transfer module for a converting machine. Claim 8 A transfer module for a converting machine, wherein the retraction mechanism comprises a first return gripper and a second return gripper, and the grippers are pivotably attached to a horizontal extension rod of a discharge member. Claim 9 A transfer module for a converting machine according to claim 8, wherein the interlocking element on the receptacle is formed of protruding elements in the form of vertical extension rods, and the vertical extension rods are located outside the stacking section. Claim 10 A transfer module for a converting machine, wherein, in claim 8 or 9, the return grippers are angled such that their distal ends extend outwardly in relation to an introduction path to a banding module and the return grippers yield and move between the vertical extension rods when the discharge member pushes the stack away from the stacking surface, and the first and second return grippers engage with the vertical extension rods only when the ejection member retracts from the banding module. Claim 11 In item 10, the first and second return grippers are biased by a spring member, a transfer module for a converting machine. Claim 12 A system comprising a transfer module and a banding module according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the transfer module is located upstream of the banding module and configured to transfer a stack of foldable boxes into the banding module. Claim 13 In claim 12, the conveyor system comprises a plurality of conveyors and is configured to recirculate a plurality of receptacles from a filling device to a banding module. Claim 14 In claim 13, the conveyor system comprises a positioning device configured to laterally displace the receptacle into an introduction path for the banding module.

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